KILLED HIS ENEMY.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 72, 26 March 1921, Page 19

KILLED HIS ENEMY.

'Hypnotism is given as an explanation of th<> murder, In the heart of the financial quarter of Montreal, of Mr. William Holland, manager of the tirm of MoTJougmil Brothers, stockbrokers. On tin , day of the crime Mr. Holland was alone in h;» ■office after the market hud been closed. Tbe o<X"upants of a neighbouring onVe beard a eliot, and a motnra-t later 'Mr. Holland, rushing In, exclaimed. "I've been shot." He fell dead at their feet. There was no trace of the murderer, and detectives! at first thought It was a cone or suicide. Two hours later Major Bob Cirlfflths, a prominent business man. formerly an ataUstant provost-marshal, gave himself up, confessing to the murder. The explanation given by the relatives or both parties Js that Major Griffiths imagined tnnt Mr. Holland, who had 'hypnotised him at an amateur gathering two years ago, had exercised an occult Influence over him ever since. The Major said Mr. mind was stronger than his, to the relatives, and the only way ht> could conquer w-.is l>-v* depriving Mr. Holland of sleep at ulglits through remaining awake himself and concentrating his mind on keeping his supposed enemy awake. Tbe major wore down has own hen-lth by weakening Mr. Holland's 'hypnotic forre. The coroner's Jury found -a verdict of murder against 'Major Griffiths, who is considered to be insane, and hoe, It Is said been an inmate of a sanatorium.